Deuteronomy 30:19
Deuteronomy 30:19 in Multiple Translations
I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live,
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before thee life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore choose life, that thou mayest live, thou and thy seed;
Let heaven and earth be my witnesses against you this day that I have put before you life and death, a blessing and a curse: so take life for yourselves and for your seed:
I call on heaven and earth to be my witnesses against you today that I have placed before you life and death, blessings and curses. Choose life, so you and your descendants will live,
I call heauen and earth to recorde this day against you, that I haue set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. therefore chuse life, that both thou and thy seede may liue,
'I have caused to testify against you to-day the heavens and the earth; life and death I have set before thee, the blessing and the reviling; and thou hast fixed on life, so that thou dost live, thou and thy seed,
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants,
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
I call heaven and earth to witness this day, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Choose therefore life, that both thou and thy seed may live:
I am requesting that everyone in heaven and the earth testify to you, that today I am allowing you to choose whether you want to live for a long time or to soon die, whether you want Yahweh to bless you or to curse you. So choose to live.
Berean Amplified Bible — Deuteronomy 30:19
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Deuteronomy 30:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַעִידֹ֨תִי
בָ/כֶ֣ם
הַ/יּוֹם֮
אֶת
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
וְ/אֶת
הָ/אָרֶץ֒
הַ/חַיִּ֤ים
וְ/הַ/מָּ֨וֶת֙
נָתַ֣תִּי
לְ/פָנֶ֔י/ךָ
הַ/בְּרָכָ֖ה
וְ/הַ/קְּלָלָ֑ה
וּ/בָֽחַרְתָּ֙
בַּֽ/חַיִּ֔ים
לְמַ֥עַן
תִּחְיֶ֖ה
אַתָּ֥ה
וְ/זַרְעֶֽ/ךָ
הַעִידֹ֨תִי
ʻûwd
H5749
to uphold
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
בָ/כֶ֣ם
Prep | Suff
הַ/יּוֹם֮
yôwm
H3117
day
Art | N-ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הָ/אָרֶץ֒
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
הַ/חַיִּ֤ים
chay
H2416
alive
Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/מָּ֨וֶת֙
mâveth
H4194
death
Conj | Art | N-ms
נָתַ֣תִּי
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
לְ/פָנֶ֔י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
הַ/בְּרָכָ֖ה
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
blessing
Art | N-fs
וְ/הַ/קְּלָלָ֑ה
qᵉlâlâh
H7045
curse
Conj | Art | N-fs
וּ/בָֽחַרְתָּ֙
bâchar
H977
to choose
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
בַּֽ/חַיִּ֔ים
chay
H2416
alive
Prep | N-mp
לְמַ֥עַן
maʻan
H4616
because
Prep
תִּחְיֶ֖ה
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
וְ/זַרְעֶֽ/ךָ
zeraʻ
H2233
seed
Conj | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Deuteronomy 30:19
הַעִידֹ֨תִי
ʻûwd
H5749
"to uphold"
V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To testify means to repeat or affirm something, like a witness in court. In the Bible, it appears in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 44:26. It involves speaking up or warning others.
Definition: 1) to return, repeat, go about, do again 1a) (Piel) to surround, go round and round 1b) (Pilel) to restore, relieve 1c) (Hithpalel) to be restored
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: admonish, charge, earnestly, lift up, protest, call (take) to record, relieve, rob, solemnly, stand upright, testify, give warning, (bear, call to, give, take to) witness. See also: Genesis 43:3; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 20:9.
בָ/כֶ֣ם
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/יּוֹם֮
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֣יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/אָרֶץ֒
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הַ/חַיִּ֤ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
וְ/הַ/מָּ֨וֶת֙
mâveth
H4194
"death"
Conj | Art | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
נָתַ֣תִּי
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/פָנֶ֔י/ךָ
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הַ/בְּרָכָ֖ה
Bᵉrâkâh
H1293
"blessing"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, a blessing is a gift from God, bringing prosperity and praise. It appears in Genesis and Psalms, where people bless God and each other. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian traditions.
Definition: 1) blessing 2) (source of) blessing 3) blessing, prosperity 4) blessing, praise of God 5) a gift, present 6) treaty of peace
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: blessing, liberal, pool, present. See also: Genesis 12:2; 2 Kings 5:15; Psalms 3:9.
וְ/הַ/קְּלָלָ֑ה
qᵉlâlâh
H7045
"curse"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a curse, which is a wish for harm or evil to come to someone. It is used in many places, including the book of Numbers and Deuteronomy. Curses were taken seriously in biblical times.
Definition: curse, vilification, execration
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: (ac-) curse(-d, -ing). See also: Genesis 27:12; 1 Kings 2:8; Psalms 109:17.
וּ/בָֽחַרְתָּ֙
bâchar
H977
"to choose"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
To choose or select is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which appears in Deuteronomy. It can also mean to be chosen or elected. The KJV translates it as 'choose' or 'acceptable'.
Definition: 1) to choose, elect, decide for 1a) (Qal) to choose 1b) (Niphal) to be chosen 1c) (Pual) to be chosen, selected
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: acceptable, appoint, choose (choice), excellent, join, be rather, require. See also: Genesis 6:2; 2 Kings 23:27; Psalms 25:12.
בַּֽ/חַיִּ֔ים
chay
H2416
"alive"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
לְמַ֥עַן
maʻan
H4616
"because"
Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
תִּחְיֶ֖ה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
אַתָּ֥ה
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
וְ/זַרְעֶֽ/ךָ
zeraʻ
H2233
"seed"
Conj | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means seed or offspring, like in Genesis where God promises Abraham many descendants. It can also mean a plant or sowing time, as in Isaiah 55:10. This concept is central to God's plan for humanity.
Definition: : seed/sowing 1) seed, sowing, offspring 1a) a sowing 1b) seed 1c) semen virile 1d) offspring, descendants, posterity, children 1e) of moral quality 1e1) a practitioner of righteousness (fig.) 1f) sowing time (by meton)
Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] carnally, child, fruitful, seed(-time), sowing-time. See also: Genesis 1:11; 1 Samuel 1:11; Psalms 18:51.
Study Notes — Deuteronomy 30:19
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Deuteronomy 30:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 30:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 30:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:19
- Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 30:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:19
- Sermons on Deuteronomy 30:19
Context — The Choice of Life or Death
17But if your heart turns away and you do not listen, but are drawn away to bow down to other gods and worship them,
18I declare to you today that you will surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.
19I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live,
20and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land that the LORD swore to give to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 30:15 | See, I have set before you today life and goodness, as well as death and disaster. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 11:26 | See, today I am setting before you a blessing and a curse— |
| 3 | Psalms 119:30 | I have chosen the way of truth; I have set Your ordinances before me. |
| 4 | Joshua 24:15–22 | But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” The people replied, “Far be it from us to forsake the LORD to serve other gods! For the LORD our God brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery, and performed these great signs before our eyes. He also protected us throughout our journey and among all the nations through which we traveled. And the LORD drove out before us all the nations, including the Amorites who lived in the land. We too will serve the LORD, because He is our God!” But Joshua said to the people, “You are not able to serve the LORD, for He is a holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your rebellion or your sins. If you forsake the LORD and serve foreign gods, He will turn and bring disaster on you and consume you, even after He has been good to you.” “No!” replied the people. “We will serve the LORD!” Then Joshua told them, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen to serve the LORD.” “We are witnesses!” they said. |
| 5 | Proverbs 8:36 | But he who fails to find me harms himself; all who hate me love death.” |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 30:1 | “When all these things come upon you—the blessings and curses I have set before you—and you call them to mind in all the nations to which the LORD your God has banished you, |
| 7 | Luke 10:42 | But only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” |
| 8 | Jeremiah 32:39 | I will give them one heart and one way, so that they will always fear Me for their own good and for the good of their children after them. |
| 9 | 1 Timothy 5:21 | I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 4:26 | I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you this day that you will quickly perish from the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess. You will not live long upon it, but will be utterly destroyed. |
Deuteronomy 30:19 Summary
[Deuteronomy 30:19 is a powerful reminder that we have the choice to follow God's ways and experience life, or to turn away from Him and face death. This choice is not just about our own lives, but also about the lives of our children and future generations, as seen in Exodus 20:5-6. By choosing to love and obey God, we can experience the blessings and life that He promises, and this is an ongoing process that requires daily commitment, as Jesus teaches in Luke 9:23. As we consider this verse, let us reflect on our own choices and consider the impact they have on our lives and the lives of those around us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'choose life' in Deuteronomy 30:19?
Choosing life means to obey God's commands and follow His ways, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:20, which says we must love the LORD our God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him, for He is our life, and this choice is also reflected in Joshua 24:15 where it says we must choose whom we will serve.
Why does God call heaven and earth as witnesses in Deuteronomy 30:19?
God calls heaven and earth as witnesses to testify against the people if they do not choose life, emphasizing the importance of this choice, similar to what is seen in Isaiah 1:2 where God calls the heavens and the earth to witness against His people's rebellion.
How does our choice affect our descendants according to Deuteronomy 30:19?
Our choice to follow God and choose life will affect not only our own lives but also the lives of our descendants, as stated in Deuteronomy 30:19, and this is a recurring theme in the Bible, such as in Exodus 20:5-6, where it talks about the consequences of our actions on our children.
Is choosing life a one-time decision or an ongoing process?
Choosing life is both a one-time decision and an ongoing process, as we see in Deuteronomy 30:19 and other verses like Luke 9:23, where Jesus teaches that following Him requires daily commitment and obedience.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to choose between life and death, between following God's ways and my own desires?
- How can I practically obey God's commands and follow His ways in my daily life, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 30:20?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my love for God and hold fast to Him, as required in Deuteronomy 30:20?
- What are some blessings I have experienced in my life as a result of choosing to follow God, and how can I share these with others to encourage them to choose life as well?
Gill's Exposition on Deuteronomy 30:19
I call heaven and earth to record this day against you,.... Either, literally understood, the heavens above him, and the earth on which he stood, those inanimate bodies, which are frequently called
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Deuteronomy 30:19
See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; See, I have set before thee this day life ... and death - i:e., the alternative of a good and happy, or a disobedient and miserable life.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:19
Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:19
Deuteronomy 30:19 I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, [that] I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live:Ver. 19. Life and death, blessing and cursing.] Of God it may be more truly affirmed, than ever it was of Charles V, Emperor, “ Una gerit bellum, monstrat manus altera pacem. ” Therefore choose life.] Which yet man, of himself, can as little do as a dead carcass can fiy aloft. It was therefore an unsound and unsavoury speech of him that said, Quod vivamus, Dei munus est; quod bene vivamus, nostrum: That we live, it is of God; but that we live well, it is of ourselves. See the contrary in Isaiah 11:12 Hosea 14:8 John 15:5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:19
Verse 19. See the note on the preceding verse. See Clarke on Deuteronomy 30:15
Cambridge Bible on Deuteronomy 30:19
19. I call heaven and earth, etc.] As in Deuteronomy 4:26. set before thee life and death] See on Deuteronomy 30:15. choose life] In Deut. only here; but cp. Joshua 24:15, Isaiah 7:15 (choose the good). On that thou mayest live see Deuteronomy 30:6.
Whedon's Commentary on Deuteronomy 30:19
15-20. Choose life — In striking expressions Moses summarizes his teachings. Life is connected with their obedience, death with their disobedience.
Sermons on Deuteronomy 30:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Deadly Choice by Chuck Smith | This sermon emphasizes the importance of making the right choice regarding Jesus Christ, highlighting the biblical theme of choosing between life and death. It explores the consequ |
|
(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): Rote, Rut, and Rot! by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to break free from spiritual stagnation and move forward in our relationship with God. He acknowledges that people often prefer spe |
|
|
Choices, Deeds & Consequences by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a man who was focused on his own wealth and success. Despite his plans for remodeling and his abundance of grain, the man suddenly f |
|
Preparing for Hard Times by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being prepared for hard times and the responsibility of pastors to guide their congregations. He shares his own experiences |
|
A Day to Be Remembered by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of allowing God to take over and lead us into a new chapter in our lives. He encourages the audience to desire to leave behin |
|
Voices From Hell Speaking to America - Part 6 by Alan Cairns | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not forgetting the innocent bloodshed and the consequences of a nation turning away from God's covenant mercies. It warns against being div |
|
Choose Life, That You and Your Descendants Might Live by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young man named Roger who is hitchhiking home after his military service. To his surprise, a wealthy older man in a shiny car sto |